A Few Prayers for Mocha needed...and my soap addiction to relax!

First off, I know you're all wondering what is going on with Mocha so I'll get that out first. Saturday Quincy and Mocha went into the doctors for a checkup and Quincy needed some updated shots. Well, during Mocha's examination the doctor felt a small growth in her intestines. What it is, we're not sure but I realize doctors have to prepare you for anything. If it's a tumor I am hoping it's benign or a something that is growing at a slow rate. If it's something less threatening, wonderful. At this point I do not want to put her through anything but the doctor suggested a fine needle aspirate to see if we can get a sample tissue. I'm not even sure I want to put her through that after the steroid episode in November. Mocha is a very high stress cat and I'm too afraid it would just send her into a tizzy or somewhere I'm not going to like again. What the doctor is baffled about is she's not showing signs of cancer. She has a more than healthy appetite, has gained weight, her vitals looked good, etc. If we do anything we will give her prednisone so see if it will shrink the growth. Well, during Quincy's exam the doctor thought Quincy's kidneys might be a bit small. *sigh* She said it's typical in Persians (and Quincy has Persian blood in him). So, she suggested blood tests on Quincy. I hate to say this...and believe me, I really do, but sometimes I think vets will go overboard on testing and over vaccinating. Quincy only got the minimal shots since he's an indoor cat and I don't believe in over vaccinating my cats with foreign agents. All I can think of is will this never end? But I've decided I am not going to stress over any of this because I will only create negative energy around us. They both seem healthy now and I will use positive, healing energy (Reiki) and positive thoughts to keep them in good health. I even have a friend sending positive thoughts all the way from the U.K. :) If you could send some healing thoughts our way we would be more than thankful. It worked last time! :)

This is Mocha's box. She sleeps in her box next to me on the bed. She loves her little box. :)


Real quick, before I move onto the soaps, during the doctor's visit, Quincy was so afraid he tried to climb underneath Mocha but could only fit his big round head underneath her. Mocha was stressed anyway and didn't realize how close Quincy was getting to her. So, he just laid there with his head underneath her. We all laughed. Lol!

To de-stress from all this, I've somehow managed to find myself collecting homemade soaps from Etsy! Lol! Let me tell you I am having tons of fun. Besides my sister's soap company, Lunada Bay Soap Co. and being her number one fan...I have branched out to try some others since I am hoping to get back into soap making on my own by summer! These soaps were purchased from a little shop on Etsy called Pure Simplicity Soaps. They are hot process soaps and the scents are absolutely fabulous, let alone the fun colors. I am such a big fan of Etsy and like to try to solicit from crafters before buying from big retailers. :)

My soap stash...

I ordered several different kinds for my first order. The tan one is a Lush dupe called Porridge. The oh so fun bright blue soap is Sea Glass and has the most intoxicating "ocean" scent. So fresh and clean. The bright pink with the fun candy sprinkles is called Candy Girl which, if you're familiar with Lush, is a dupe of their Rock Star soap. The beautiful lavender soap with glitter is a dupe of Victoria's Secret Heavenly scent. She also included a few samples and one was a chocolate fudge scented soap. I almost thought I'd have it for dessert while I took a bath. Lol! If you get a chance, stop by her "sweet" shop. :)

Hope you're all having a great week so far. :) We truly appreciate any prayers because I truly believe in healing through prayer and positive energy. :)

Taco Pockets!

Okay, so I know this isn't the healthiest of recipes. Earlier in the day at work I had a break and was surfing the internet and some link brought me to the Pillsbury site. You know I love that Pillsbury dough boy. :) Anyway, I found this recipe. Definite comfort food here! Taco pockets! Oh and one warning, these don't make great leftovers as the breading can get soggy.

The smell of fresh dough makes me wanna eat it raw! But alas, I won't.

I love mixing sour cream and salsa for a nice topping.

Just out of the oven!

INGREDIENTS

1 package (1 oz) taco seasoning mix.
2/3 cup water
1 1/2 cups thick 'n chunky salsa
1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef, cooked, drained
1 can (16.3 oz) Pillsbury® Grands!® refrigerated biscuits (any variety)
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese or Mexican cheese blend (4 oz)
1 cup sour cream, if desired

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oven to 375°F.
2. In medium saucepan, cook taco seasoning mix, water, 1/2 cup of the salsa and cooked ground beef until thickened.
3. Press each biscuit into 6-inch round. Fill each with taco mixture and 1 tablespoon cheese. Fold dough over filling and press to seal. Place on greased cookie sheet.
4. Bake 9 to 14 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with remaining salsa, cheese and sour cream.

Weekend Randomness

Okay, so there really is nothing specific on this post but maybe just a few random things I did or spotted or played with. Lol!

First of all I wanted you to all see my first Polyvore creation. If it's too small click on the picture and it should take you to a bigger link. I had so much fun creating this! This one is entitled Romance is in the Air.

Then I spotted this very whimsical birdhouse this weekend on a walk. I think it's made from a tree stump...

A walk along the river...reminds me of the movie A River Runs through It. It was such a beautiful weekend here also! It was in the 60's, blue skies and sun. Spring is around the corner, I can feel it. :)

And volunteering at the cat shelter. These two brothers were just too cute and so playful!!

Doh! She caught us!

Quick, act cute...

Hope you all had a great weekend also! Happy Monday (okay, not really).

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars and an Award!

Yep, I'm finally back in the kitchen and boy was it a sweet experience! This recipe will satisfy any sweet tooth craving. I mean really, seriously, it is SWEET! Got Milk? ;)

My favorite ingredient to measure out. Oh darn...some spillage. Let me just clean that up with my mouth. :)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup butter, melted
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 3/4 cups confectioners' sugar

Directions:

In a medium bowl, stir together graham cracker crumbs, confectioners' sugar, peanut butter and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9x13 inch pan. Melt chocolate chips over a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Spread melted chocolate over the crumb crust. Chill for about 5 minutes, then cut into bars before the chocolate is completely set, then chill until ready to serve.

ALSO!

I was given an award, the Circle of Friends Award, by the wonderful and sweet, sweet Laura over at Laura's Homestead Adventures. We're fairly new to each other but what a coincidence it was to find out she lived in the same town I did back in California. What a small world. Laura is such a courageous woman, working, holding down a small farm, providing for her family. She's such an inspiration to me. I look forward to getting to know her more and more as the years go on. :) Thank you so much for being a wonderful blogging friend, Laura! If you have the chance swing over to her blog and say hello!

This award is given to blogs that bring a smile to your face, or just make you feel warm and fuzzy inside.

I pass this onto those who stop by my blog today. Everyone that I have gotten to know through this bloggy world has been a special inspiration to me!

Happy Friday!!

P.S. I've had several of you girls ask me about the color of my nail polish in my last post. It's by OPI and called Black Tie Optional. :)

Girly Necessities

About a week ago I joined my two wonderful friends for a hair cutting/coloring margarita party. Lol! A first for me. Actually my girlfriend Susan has her hair done by her girlfriend and I thought I'd try her out since she loves coloring hair. We had so much fun and I cannot believe I'm going to show you some of these pictures but oh well. We're all close enough to share the silly, embarrassing photos too, right? By the way, I am loving my new color. It's an espresso dark brown mixed with a deep, deep, reddish purple.

Here are my embarrassing photos...

Some yummy fruity margaritas but no margaritas for the hair stylist until after she's done with all of us!

Susan and Nancy sure love their drinks. Lol!

Then Nancy had to fall in the hammock in uncontrollable laughter. Thank God this was a sleepover. ;)

And here's my color...

You can see some of the highlights here...

And here...

And here's my little sweet red head.

And I'm happy to report I "washed those grays right out of my hair!". :)

Sweet Valentine's to All of You!

Just a quick Happy Valentine's Day to you all! Personally I believe Valentine's Day should be everyday of the year....love should be shown all the time. :)

Hope you're having a wonderful weekend!

Love Comes Softly

You know how much I adore Hallmark movies. Well, as usual, I'm a bit behind on my movie watching but I got this in my Netflix this week and finally had time to watch it. I have surmised that I am a hopeless romantic. Now where is that perfect man? Lol! Oh yea! In this movie! I love, love, loved this movie!! If you loved watching The Little House series this is right up your alley AND it was directed by Michael Landon, Jr. So wholesome, so sweet, so romantic....*sigh*. I am getting the second one in the series (yes, it's a series) and will probably have to buy them. They are based on a series of books by Janette Oke. I will be getting those as well so I can cuddle up in a corner with a cup of tea and read away. If you get the chance, I highly recommend this wonderful movie.

Here's a trailer I found on YouTube and you guessed it.....it made me cry. *sniffle*

Ta da!

Well here it is! Here is that egg carton makeover I promised. What do you think? I actually decided to keep it simple. You should have seen what I was going to put around it. Lol! A feather boa was just a bit much....so I punched two holes on either end and tied simple black bows through the holes. I also decorated the tips of each, hmmm....what do you call it? Cone? Raised area? I don't know. Anyway, I simply dotted them with black jewels. I am really happy how it turned out!

I simply performed a little paper mache magic with decorative tissue paper all over the carton and added the ribbon and jewels. You know me and simple! I think I may need to make another with that other carton in the fridge. Well, once I use my eggs. :)

Keep young and beautiful!

I have a new bad habit. Going onto this website and browsing all the adorable looks! I think I may make may own if I'm brave enough.

Polyvore



And I discovered a new fabulous song by Annie Lennox. It's old but new to me. So, to go along with my fashion of choice tonight....enjoy the song! I mean really, it's too cute! You gotta listen. :)



Happy Friday! I THINK I am slowing down this weekend. ;)